Reporter's physical encounter with ex-NRL star on assault charges

Former State of Origin star Luke O'Donnell hasn't pulled on the boots for five years, but as an encounter with A Current Affair reporter Steve Marshall shows, he hasn't forgotten how to shoulder-charge.

O'Donnell, who won a premiership with the Roosters and represented both NSW and Australia during his NRL career, is facing a number of charges.

He has been accused of assaulting a female police officer in an alleged domestic violence incident that resulted in police having to taser the 37-year-old former forward to bring him under control.

Luke O'Donnell shoulders aside reporter Steve Marshall. (9news)

He has also been charged with maliciously damaging property, assaulting a senior constable, resisting arrest and intimidating his own father.

Police have also taken out an AVO on behalf of O'Donnell's dad Ross after the allegedly violent confrontation at his Clovelly apartment early in the morning of June 3.

The former NRL All-Star, known for his power and aggression on the field, has pleaded not guilty to all charges and will face a hearing in Waverley Local Court on October 5.

New South Wales' Luke O'Donnell is tackled by Queensland's Johnathan Thurston and Dallas Johnson in the first game of the 2009 State of Origin series. Picture: AAP (AAP)O'Donnell was known as a feared enforcer during his NRL career. (9news)

His girlfriend, who witnessed the alleged fracas, will give evidence in the hearing on behalf of O’Donnell, while police will call at least eight witnesses.

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O’Donnell – who attempted to dodge questions outside court by taking refuge in a police station – can be seen shoulder charging reporter Steve Marshall in a dramatic display that literally stopped traffic.